English Toy Spaniel.

English Toy Spaniel. English Toy Spaniel, breed of toy dog, which reputedly originated in Japan in ancient times and apparently then became known in China. From Japan it is believed to have been introduced into Spain in comparatively modern times, and there became the prototype for the breed known today. The dog was also known in England from about the first third of the 16th century. Two principal varieties of the English toy spaniel exist: the King Charles spaniel and the Blenheim spaniel. The King Charles spaniel, which is black and tan, was named after Charles II of England, who kept dogs of this breed as favored pets. The Blenheim, a white and chestnut-red spaniel, is so called after the family seat of John Churchill, 1st duke of Marlborough, who first bred the dog at the beginning of the 18th century and whose family later specialized in developing the breed. Both varieties have a domed head; dark eyes set wide apart; a short nose; unusually long ears; and a coat of long, silky, wavy hair. The English toy spaniel weighs from 4 to 5 kg (9 to 12 lb). Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.